Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The multitude of your sorceries"
Text: Isaiah 47:12
A CHALLENGE TO THE BABYLONIAN SORCERERS
A strong challenge was issued to all who practised occultic arts.
Could they prevent the desolation that would come upon the nation?
“Stand now with your enchantments
And the multitude of your sorceries,
In which you have laboured from your youth—
Perhaps you will be able to profit,
Perhaps you will prevail.
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels;
Let now the astrologers, the stargazers,
And the monthly prognosticators
Stand up and save you
From what shall come upon you.”
Isaiah 47:12-13
1. Practice of occultic arts:
a) Enchantments
b) Sorceries
c) These had been practised by many from their youth!
2. A strong belief.
a) That they would stand to profit.
b) That they would prevail.
c) Sarcasm was employed here.
3. The activities of the sorcerers.
a) They gave “counsel”.
b) They gave horoscope readings based on astrology.
c) Some gave monthly predictions (they were called “prognosticators”).
4. A short list of the occultic practitioners:
a) Sorcerers
b) Astrologers
c) Stargazers
d) Prognosticators
5. They were appealed to:
i) For salvation.
ii) For deliverance from disasters.
iii) No help would be forthcoming from them!